JEFFERSON CITY Mo – Turkey hunters have until Feb. 29 to apply for managed hunts during Missouri’s 2012 spring turkey season. All 19 managed turkey hunts are listed in the “2012 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information" booklet. The booklet, along with other information on spring turkey hunting, is available online at www.mdc.mo.gov by searching “Spring Turkey Hunting.” The booklet and website have application instructions, outlook information on Missouri’s turkey population, conservation areas where turkey hunting is allowed, related regulations and more. The print version of the booklet will be available from hunting permit vendors and at MDC offices in mid-February.

In addition to 11 hunts open to all firearms turkey hunters, this year’s offerings include a managed hunt for archers, five hunts for youths age 11 through 15 and two hunts for people with disabilities. Managed hunts will take place during the youth turkey season, March 31 to April 1, or regular turkey season, April 16 through May 6.

Hunters may apply individually or in groups of up to three for most hunts. Youth hunts accept applications only for single hunters or pairs. An individual applying as a member of a party has the same chance of being drawn as someone who applies alone. Successful applicants will receive notice of their hunt dates and other information by mail. Drawing results will be posted March 14 through May 6 at www.mdc.mo.gov/hunt/turkey.

For the youth hunt and hunt for people with disabilities at Smithville Lake, applications should be made by phone by calling 816-858-5718. To apply for the hunt for people with disabilities at Bois D’Arc CA, call 417-742-4361. Applications for other hunts should be made online at www.mdc.mo.gov/hunt/turkey.

The number of hunters allowed to take part in each managed hunt ranges from 10 to 40. Participants in some hunts must complete a pre-hunt orientation. Hunters should not to apply for these hunts if they cannot attend the orientation.

The bag limit for managed hunts is one male turkey or turkey with visible beard. Turkeys taken during a managed hunt count toward the season limit of two. Hunters who shoot a turkey during a managed hunt before April 23 may not take another turkey during the first week of the regular turkey season. All-terrain vehicles are prohibited on areas with managed turkey hunts.

Hunting results in fewer injuries per 100,000 participants than do many other sports, including cycling, bowling, golf and tennis. However, as with any activity, you must always use good judgment and take responsibility for your actions.

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